The Irish flag

A military celebration by the Irish army after the Emergency 1945 | Adoption of the Flag

Illustrated Cover of Cover of Tattoo Publication
Cover of Tattoo Publication

President O’Ceallaigh appeals for support for ex-soldiers

The President, Sean T. O’Ceallaigh, opened the evening with a speech that included the following:

For many, these past five years, spent … in preparation and in watchfulness at lonely isolated outposts, were years of separation from family and from friends. By their untiring efforts during the past five years they have … shielded the nation from untold misery, suffering and privation. I feel confident that our people will avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the Military tattoo and Exhibition … to help the Army Benevolent Fund to acquire the means of assisting necessitous ex-soldiers.

(The Irish Press, 28 August 1945, p1)

Saluting the flag

The spectator realises with a jerk as he enters the grounds that “the lid is off” Army secrecy, that all the works and pomps are laid bare for all to see. You can measure the calibre of their guns, climb aboard their gun waggons and sight the instruments for yourself …. Yesterday there were citizens who went in and forgot to salute the colours as they entered. They saluted them solemnly on coming out. That is the effect of the Tattoo. The Tattoo has all the amenities of a typical R.D.S. show … but Tattoo prices are much cheaper.

(The Irish Press, 28 August 1945, p2)

civilians trying out military equipment.
civilians trying out military equipment.

Glossary

Huzza: a shout to express approval or delight

Landau: a horse-drawn four-wheeled enclosed carriage

Tattoo: an entertainment consisting of music, marching, and the performing of displays and exercises by military personnel

In Your Opinion

  1. In the first press report (featured on the timeline), what was the signal for the military Tattoo to begin?
  2. Indicate two types of entertainment that were on view at the RDS grounds.
  3. In the second report, President O’Ceallaigh draws attention to the work of the defence forces during the previous five years. How does he refer to the harsh work of the military during that time?
  4. How does the president want the Irish people to show their appreciation of the work of the military?
  5. The reporter in the third report indicates that many civilian visitors were saluting the national colours on the way out, but not on the way in. What reason does he give for this change?
  6. In the last report, four women are allowed to stand on a large artillery gun. What was the benefit for the army of allowing them to do so?

Supporting Material

The Irish Press, 28 August 1945, p 1

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